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NUMBER 2011-11 MAY 15, 2012

IN THIS ISSUE ~ NEWS & NOTES ~ WEAR RED ~ CHURCH PICNIC and so much more.....

Dear family, A number of years ago, I was startled to discover that the happiest, most stressfree times in my life were several summers that I spent living out of a duffel bag, in a small cabin with a canvas roof, counseling camps in remote wildernesses. I was startled, because until I made that discovery, I had thought that more money and more possessions would have led to more happiness; but the reality, it turned out, was just the opposite. Since then, I have come to learn that the pursuit of happiness was a major philosophical topic in ancient Greece, a topic that modern philosophy has rediscovered in recent centuries. Today, most philosophers and social scientists agree that enough wealth to meet ones basic needs (food, shelter, health care, etc.) is important when it comes to achieving happiness, but additional wealth beyond that does not usually bring additional happiness; in fact, it can lead to a decrease in happiness. Some of the wealthiest people in the world ended their lives miserable, seeking to escape the lives they had created for themselves. Frequent news stories about celebrities who died by suicide or overdose attest to this. The Greeks were not the only ancient ones who studied the pursuit of happiness. Jesus, also, taught people how to be happy. We dont often understand Jesus teachings this way, because we are so used to thinking that more wealth equals more happiness, and Jesus said the opposite: less wealth equals happiness; less wealth equals life in the kingdom of God. Jesus also said that happiness comes from loving and serving others. This is why I am so excited about this Saturdays Bike Rodeo. What a wonderful opportunity this is for us to serve and show love to our neighbors! There really isnt a whole lot of work for us to do, since the event is being put on by an organization called Safe Moves. However, having a group of BKCC members present to serve as greeters, extending hospitality and sharing smiles would go a long way in reaching out to our neighbors and I have no doubt that those who volunteer for this task will leave filled with happiness. Interested? Call me! Pastor Danny A prayer for Bixby Knolls Christian Church

May 27 is Pentecost
wear red or your red BKCC t-shirt. This is perfect for the annual picnic that follows.

Use me to bring wholeness to my neighbor. Use my church to bring wholeness to our community. Show us how your kingdom of shalom can be made real on earth through us.

Bixby Knolls Christian Church, (a Disciples of Christ Church) (562) 426-0428

hank you, Mens Fellowship for the wonderful refreshments on Mothers Day. The table setting was lovely and the food delicious. We appreciate all the work that went into making it all so special. Thank you, Jim, Chuck, Ken B, Leo, and, Phil. and all of the Mens Group.

Christian Womens Fellowship meeting Thursday, May 17 At 11:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Salad Potluck Betsy Hillig will be presenting a program on the Women Quadrennial that took place last summer. Everyone is welcome.

Bicycle Rodeo
Its free, fun, and for the entire family!
Join us at this educational event for children and parents. Bring your bike or borrow one of ours to ride on the traffic safety obstacle course and learn how to walk, ride, and roll safely.

Saturday, May 19 10:00-1:00 Bixby Knolls Christian Church

Sponsored by the City of Long Beach Part of the Safe Routes to School Program

This Saturday, May 19 at 3:40 p.m. you can come and cheer on your Bixby Softball Team at its first league game and victory (thats faith) at San Martin Park, Lakewood. Come watch and cheer and have some fun.

Rekindle: a new generation of worship. Lively. Informal. Creative. Sunday, May 20, 6:12pm

No Junior Church and Worship &Wonder on May 27th, Memorial Day weekend.

Sunday, May 27 after worship service, meet down the street at Somerset Park for our annual church picnic. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket and your favorite picnic dish to share. There will be probably be lots of food like last year so bring a hearty appetite. Last year Pastor Danny tested our church knowledge so be ready for anything this year. On Sunday, June 10, we will recognize our graduates at the morning worship service. Please call the church office if you will be graduating from high school, grade school, middle school, college or any other advanced education. Traditionally, that Sunday will begin the summer break for our teachers. Last summer, we had no volunteers to fill in with childrens church. On June 17th and the rest of the summer, the children and youth will remain in church during the morning worship. There will still be child care for W&W and younger. In the fall, we need a Worship and Wonder leader and a helper so that the program can continue. If you are interested, please call Scheri Dubon.
Miracle on 43rd Street is a unique service project focuses on bringing the best of our gifts, resources and talents as an expression of Gods love and empowerment to a welcoming community. This hands on work is a visible witness to what it means to be one church! It takes place June 27-July 1 at United Christian Church in Los Angeles, a historically African-American congregation in a mostly Spanish-speaking neighborhood where 72% of the residents have never finished high school. It is one of the most densely crowded neighborhoods in southern California. The need for a Christian witness of healing and wholeness is great. Help is needed to: paint the sanctuary; install new flooring in the sanctuary; remove the pews; clean and polish the pews; re-install the pews; repair and paint drywall; replace light fixtures; replace lamps; paint the dining hall; clean and paint the cupboards in the kitchen; mend and paint the wrought iron fencing; install irrigation and landscaping; re-stripe parking lots and as with every church facility, theres always window washing, general cleaning and closets to be organized. In addition, there will be a Youth Experience held in conjunction with Miracle Week; high school youth from throughout the United States will be coming to participate in mission projects at United Christian Church (in conjunction with Miracle Week) as well as at other locations in Los Angeles. Evenings will include worship & a special music concert. Pastor Danny is on the planning team for the youth event, so interested youth should talk with him. For more information regarding Miracle Week, or to register, visit www.pswdw.com/events.

Wednesday Night Dinner

Join us every Wednesday for our pay-what-you-can community supper. Whats on the menu? Come and find out! 6:00pm

Summer Camp
early bird deadlines are rapidly approaching. If you have a Mini Camper, all paperwork must be submitted to the church office no later than May 30 to receive the discounted rate. Registration forms are now available! You can get yours at www.lochleven.org. Additional copies will be available in the church office. Mini Camp is for those kids who will be in grades 2 & 3 in the fall of 2012. (July 1-4) Junior Camp is for those who will be in grades 4-6 in the fall of 2012. (July 8-14) Chi-Rho Camp is for those who will be in grades 7-8 in the fall of 2012. (July 15-21) CYF 1 Camp is for those who will be in grades 9-10 in the fall of 2012. (July 22-28) CYF 2 Camp is for those who will be in grades 11-12 in the fall of 2012, as well as those graduating in the class of 12. (July 29-August 4) All Ages Camp is for kids in grades 4-12. (August 5-11) Young Adult Camp is for those who are at least one year out of high school. (August 17-19)

Vacation Bible School July 16-20

On behalf of an anonymous person to the Mens Group, ......thank you for making me feel so special.. Praise God for the strength and health of Shirley Dickison. Shirley took a fall but is up and getting around. Nothing keeps this woman down. The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Long Beach Healthcare System says thank you to all members of BKCC for donating greeting cards to their facility. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
To have your news, joys, or concerns included in next months newsletter, send a note to Pastor Danny at dannybradfield@gmail.com, or call the church office.

Fellowship Hour May 20 - In celebration of the life of Claudia Baustian May 27 - Sponsor needed June 3 - Sponsor needed June 10 - Sponsor needed June 17 - CWF June 24 - Sponsor needed Thoughts for Memorial Day
The anthropologist and naturalist, Loren Eiseley, who died in 1977, wanted this epitaph for his wife and himself: We loved the earth, but could not stay. No one can stay, of course. We all are moving inexorably toward that final day when the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over, and our work is done (Book of Common Prayer). This Memorial Day we particularly remember the men and women who have perished in war, giving the ultimate sacrifice to make the world a better place. They too loved the earth, but could not stay. May God hasten the day when we can solve our disputes peacefully. We also remember all our loved ones whose stay on Earth is over. Christians believe that death does not end all. We trust that the God who made us will provide for us when our bodies can no longer sustain us. A memorial stone on the campus of the College of Wooster in Ohio, placed there by a class many years ago, reads: United in time Divided in time To be reunited When time shall be no more. That is a hope we can have for ourselves, our loved ones and those who sacrificed all. -Taken on-line from the Newsletter Newsletter

Once again we are collecting new and used shoes for the needy. Each year Kim Foot and Ankle organizes a campaign. Last year they collected over 15,000 pairs of shoes. Please place your donations in the specially marked box in the narthex. Pat Cohen
a request from Rick MacIntosh wanting to share.........

A Mothers Gifts God gave mothers extra gifts, the Ones theyd need each day To give their families love and care And guide them on their way. He gave them gifts of patience, True persistence, faith to share, He gave them understanding hearts, A sense of what is fair-He gave them the ability To always see the good, To give their children confidence As only mothers could. God gave mothers extra gifts, He blessed them all at birth, So theyd reflect His special love

As angels here on earth -inspired by Amanda Bradley

Your prayers are requested for Marie Archer, Doug Hocanson, Sumbal Sardar, Claudia Baustian family, Rick McIntosh (death of mother), Anita & Eddie Ramirez, Shirley Dickison

a bible quiz
1. What venomous creature bit Paul on the hand but did not harm him? Acts 28:3-6 2. What did Jesus use to feed the five thousand? John 6:9-12

The Fellowship News A publication of Bixby Knolls Christian Church of Long Beach (a Disciples of Christ Church) 1240 E. Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90807 www.bixbyknollschurch.org Editor: Monica Lanz 562-426-0428 bkcchurch@aol.com fax 562-426-0429 Pastor: Daniel Bradfield The Fellowship News is published twice monthly.

UPCOMING SCRIPTURES May 27 - Acts 2:1-6

Newsletter Articles due Sunday, May 27

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BIXBY KNOLLS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Disciples of Christ)
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School for Adults 10:15 a.m. Morning Worship and Childrens Church OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday closed

CHURCH STAFF: Pastor Daniel Bradfield -Minister Monica Lanz -Church Secretary Barbara Neal-Peebles -Music Director/Organist Christine Perkinson - Church Child Care Suzie Romero - Custodian

BOARD OFFICERS: David Rugh -Board President -Vice President Pat Cohen -Secretary Angela Hillig - Treasurer Chrysan Naw - Financial Secretary Phil OLaughlin -Church Clerk